Ecologists and others interested in faith-environment dialogue are invited to a dinner to learn about the anticipated, ground-breaking encyclical by Pope Francis on the environment, to explore the implications of Catholic perspectives on the environment, and to seek ways in which ecologists might collaborate more intentionally with Catholic communities on issues of mutual concern.

Bishop Jaime Soto will welcome participants to Sacramento and the dialogue. Former ESA president, Terry Chapin, will share his thoughts on stewardship, the importance of including values in the application of science, and what ecology has to learn from faith communities.

We hope that participants can benefit from collaboration, advance the understanding of climate change and its impacts and generate greater activity within the faith community born out of a deeper understanding of humankind’s place in sustaining and enhancing Earth’s life-support systems.

Congratulations to Chair-Elect Charlie Nilon! Charlie has been named recipient of the 2014 – Commitment to Human Diversity in Ecology Award. This ESA award recognizes long-standing contributions of an individual towards increasing the diversity of future ecologists through mentoring, teaching or outreach. ESA honors Charles Nilon, with the University of Missouri-Columbia, for his leadership in developing diversity-enhancing programs within the Ecological Society of America and working to improve minority access to all Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. His work illustrates the relationship between ecology, environmental justice and their impacts on disadvantaged communities. Arise early in Sacramento on Monday, August 11th for the Awards Ceremony in the historic Memorial auditorium near the Sacramento Convention Center, 8:00 AM-10:15 AM.